Colonialism and Imperialism: Sub-Saharan Africa

(2,370 words)

This entry traces women's contributions to Muslim African
societies during the colonial period that generally lasted from the
1890s to 1960.

The history of Islam in colonial Sub-Saharan
Africa
is often depicted through men's participation in trade routes
and
Sufi
orders. There has been little mention of women in culture
or politics. While Islam expanded and changed during European colonial
administration, local historical processes and colonial policies
de-emphasized gender and women's roles. Yet Muslim African
wome…